On Saturday 16 April 2026 brethren gathered at Rochdale Masonic Hall for the Learning Session and breakfast hosted by the East Lancashire Level Club. We met downstairs, greeted one another and enjoyed tea, coffee, and bacon and sausage sandwiches.

We then moved upstairs to the Lodge room and on to the main business of the morning. WBro Lee Reilly took charge of proceedings and we did the usual icebreaker of going around the room and each brother recounts his masonic month to the group. The tone set is very friendly and informal and this really is one of the aims of the learning sessions.

After this we enjoyed a presentation from WBro Andy Halford focusing on geometry and its place in and connection to Freemasonry. This led to something of an informal Q&A session regarding The Past Master’s Jewel and in the English tradition consisting of the Square with the 47th Proposition of Euclid pendant within it. Very informative stuff!

As the level club has a special interest in developing those Freemasons taking their first steps into the Craft we then turned our attention to the first degree working tools. This broadened into a wider discussion around the cardinal points in the lodge, the ashlars and the position and symbolism of our columns. To be clear this is very hands-on and interactive and for me as an EAFM it’s a great opportunity to be involved!

Having attended the last two breakfast meetings I can confidently say that they provide a very friendly and supportive space to come along, enjoy good company and certainly ask any questions that may arise!

And to this point we had a question from our newest mason present. Bro Sam Butterworth asked a seemingly simple question which caused quite the stir amongst the brethren ranging from google searches to texting very experienced masons in the attempt to answer his question. Hopefully the set-up has piqued your interest?!

He asked “Why do we first step off with our left foot?”.

So, after enquiries, it turns out there is not one definitive answer but rather many which could fit here. We all liked the idea that as the heart is on the left side of the body so stepping off first with our left foot would symbolise a purpose close to our hearts and demonstrates the sincerity of our actions!

I would argue that it’s precisely these moments that make the morning memorable! They’re great for bonding, camaraderie and learning. We return to our friends and family better men than we were yesterday.

I hope this gives a flavour of what to expect at our next breakfast and learning session and I look forward to seeing you there!

• Article written by ELLC Member – Bro Mark Wharmby (Entered Apprentice)